















O N O ^ . 







^o. 










• 1 .^^ ' / 



































„o ^ -o » 




•*>^.^ ov-'^^ia-. -»bv^ :^^^*. '^^0* 



V 



v^ »: 










.#^ «} 








FLOWERS FROM THE 
WAYSIDE 

A BOOK OF VERSE 

BY 
WARREN R. FITCH 




BOSTON 

SHERMAN, FRENCH ^ COMPANY 

1911 






Copyright, 19 11 
Sherman, French & Company 









CONTENTS 

PAGE 

BE WITH US STILL 1 

ROBERT BURNS 2 

ALONE 4 

THANKSGIVING HYMN 5 

THERE IS A RIVER 6 

JAIRUS' DAUGHTER 7 

THE THOUSAND ISLES 9 

THE VOYAGE OF LIFE 10 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 11 

VERITAS PREVALEBIT 13 

REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF AN AGED 

CHRISTIAN 14 

IF I SHOULD DIE TO-NIGHT ... 15 

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC . 16 

HAIL EASTER 17 

I SHALL NOT PASS THIS WAY AGAIN . . 19 

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS .... 20 

ALIVE FOREVERMORE .... 22 
WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER THAN 

MEN 23 

AN EASTER LESSON 25 

THE DEAR CHURCH HOME .... 27 

TO-MORROW 28 

THE OMNIPOTENCE OF JEHOVAH . . 29 

MY MOTHER'S HAND 30 

FAMILY WORSHIP 32 

GOOD-BY, OLD YEAR 34 



PAGE 

THE DAYS ARE PASSING .... 36 

SOME DAY 37 

"HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE" 38 

KATIE AND I 39 

HELEADETHME 41 

OPPORTUNITY 4^ 

THIS DAY IS MINE 43 

WASHINGTON 44 

SINCE MOTHER DIED 46 

EASTER DAY 47 

OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG 48 

TRUE COURAGE . . . . * . . 50 

THE GOLDEN GATES OF THE WEST . . 51 

JOHN KNOX 52 

CHARACTER 54 

THE ADVENT SONG 55 

I KNOW HE WILL 56 

I CANNOT DOUBT 57 

HE LOVES ME STILL 58 

GLADSTONE 59 

ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND ... 61 

OLD AGE A CROWN OF GLORY ... 62^ 



FLOWERS FROM THE WAYSIDE 



BE WITH US STILL 

God of all might! Our father's God, 

This land we love belongs to Thee, 
From shores the pilgrims' feet first trod 

Far westward stretching to the sea. 
Lest in our vanity and pride 

We cease to do Thy righteous will. 
And from the Right now turn aside, 

Be with us still: Be with us still. 

In Freedom's cause our fathers fought, 

And crossed the wild and stormy deep ; 
The priceless boon which here they sought 

May we, their children, always keep. 
That as a nation strong we may 

Our highest destiny fulfill, 
Nor foolishly go far astray. 

Be with us still: Be with us still. 

By greed of power, or lust of gain. 

May we be tempted nevermore: 
Forbid, O Lord! that we should stain 

Fair Freedom's flag with human gore 
For sake of conquest; rather let 

Christ's tender love our bosoms fill. 
Lest in our folly we forget, 

Be with us still: Be with us still. 



2 flowcvQ from the Cdayeide 



If for an empire wide, we seek 

Still other lands beyond the sea, 
We'll wait, Lord ! till Thou shalt speak. 

For Thou wouldst have all people free. 
O let us not in Freedom's name 

Go forth to pillage, burn and kill; 
Lest for such deeds we blush with shame, 

Be with us still: Be with us still. 



ROBERT BURNS 

Awake my muse, and tune thy harp anew 

To sing once more of Scotia's honored bard. 
To whom the world, among its gifted few. 

The praise of highest merit doth award. 
To him each Scot with reverence bends the knee, 

And every rival to his fame he spurns, 
For to his heart there nevermore can be 

So dear a name as that of Robert Burns. 

No songs so sweet were ever heard by man, 
As those he sang among the hills of Ayr, 
'Then only heard where Doon's clear waters 
ran. 
But now repeated almost everywhere. 
In these are breathed the tones of tenderest 
love — 
The intonations of a heart sincere, 



flowers from the Cdayside 3 

Such melody as in the courts above 

The angel songsters most delight to hear. 

His "Highland Mary" and his "Jean Armour," 

Immortalized throughout all time shall be, 
Because he sang their praises o'er and o'er. 

And wrote their names where all the world 
might see. 
And that sweet story of the Cotter's home. 

With children gathered in the family fold. 
In every land where Scotia's sons may roam. 

With moistened eyes will oftentimes be told. 

The hills of Dumfrie nevermore shall hear 

The poet's voice, nor by the banks of Ayr 
Shall maidens wait with fondly listening ear. 

To catch his words so often spoken there. 
The waves of Clyde still break upon the shore. 

And swell the banks, where Bums was wont 
to stray, 
But Scotia's bard no longer hears their roar; 

'Mid other scenes his spirit roams to-day. 

But while the waters of the Clyde shall sweep 

With swiftest current onward to the sea, 
And while the stars their nightly vigils keep, 

The name of Burns shall still remembered be. 
And every land where now his songs are sung, 

Shall praise bestow upon his honored name. 
And with the world's great poets, be among 

The highest written on the scroll of fame. 



4 yiowers from the CCtayside 

ALONE 

Alone I wait, and vainly list to hear 

In the deep silence, sound of coming feet, 

The whispered words of one so very dear 

Who, could she come, my soul would gladly 
greet. 

Alone I wait, the dreary hours go by 
And all unbroken is the silence still. 

No voice is heard, no presence draweth nigh, 
The darkness gathers and the air grows chill. 

Alone I wait, and vainly reach to clasp 

A vanished hand, to gently stroke a head; 

But there's no hand my own again to grasp; 
She comes no more, she sleeps among the 
dead. 

Alone I wait, and still I wait alone 

For one to come, yet knowing as I wait 

That her pure spirit has forever flown, 
And safely passed within the pearly gate. 

Alone I wait, but waiting here I know 

The time will come, ere many years have 
flown. 

When to that blessed home I, too, shall go, 
And then I shall no longer be alone. 



Jflowcrs from the CCIayside 

THANKSGIVING HYMN 

Lord God of Hosts ! to thee we raise 
Our grateful hearts in songs of praise 

For all thy mercies shown: 
The blessings which have crowned the year, 
And brought to us such joy and cheer, 

Have come from Thee alone. 

The early and the latter rain, 
The golden fields of ripened grain. 

The orchards bending low 
With richest fruitage all declare 
How great indeed Thy mercies are, 

Such blessings to bestow. 

Through all the year Thy outstretched hand 
Hath scattered blessings o'er the land. 

And so enriched our store 
With choicest products of the field. 
Of fruits and grain so large a yield. 

We could not wish for more. 

Thou great Jehovah, God and King! 
To Thee our offerings we bring. 

Our hearts to Thee upraise: 
For all Thy goodness here below. 
Help us our gratitude to show 

In songs of endless praise. 



6 Iflowers from the Wayside 

THERE IS A RIVER 

*' There is a river, the streams whereof shall make 
glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles 
of the most High." Psalm 4-6 : 4-. 

Whence cometh it, and whither doth it flow, 

This sacred river, nameless and unseen? 
Through what fair land doth its clear waters 
flow? 
What sun-lit vales, what fields of living 
green ? 

" The streams whereof ! " Ah, who their course 
can trace, 

Or tell us how they maketh glad, and why, 
The city of our God, the holy place. 

The tabernacles of the Lord most High? 

Whate'er thy name, we fain would call thee 
Love, 

For streams of goodness from thee ever flow; 
And though thy origin be from above 

Thou bringest peace to mortals here below. 

River of God, which maketh heaven glad! 

Flow thou this way with never-ceasing tide. 
That we whose hearts are burdened now and 
sad. 

May find sweet rest thy shaded banks beside. 



3flower9 from the Cdayeide 7 

Flow on, river, through the endless years, 
And water all the desert wastes of earth; 

On thy bright shores we'll dry our falling tears, 
And hope and faith, in us, shall have new 
birth. 

JAIRUS' DAUGHTER 

Mark 5: 22-43 

It was the sleep of death ! Her eyes were closed, 
And white and cold as marble was her brow! 
A smile still played upon her ashen lips, 
As if by angels kissed, and her pale hands 
Lay motionless upon the pulseless breast. 
So young and fair, so fondly loved by all, 
It seemed most sad that she should fade and 

die! 
That from her cheek the bloom should pass 

away. 
And death thus hold her in its cold embrace. 
Kindred and friends, outside the chamber 

door. 
Expressed their grief in lamentations loud. 
And wept for her, the fairest, sweetest flower 
That blossomed in their home, no more to shed 
The fragrance of her love upon their hearts. 
Nor make them glad and happy with her 

smiles. 
While thus they wept, Jesus himself drew 

near, 



8 jflowers from the CClayside 

And said to them, "Why make ye this ado? 
The damsel is not dead, but sleepeth now ! " 
His words seemed but to mock their deepest 

grief : 
They wondered first, and then "laughed Him 

to scorn." 
Taking the parents of the maid, and those 
Who came with Him, He went into the room 
Where now she lay, and took her by the hand 
And said, " Damsel, arise ! " and straightway 

she 
Arose and walked, " for she was twelve years 

old." 
Who but the Son of God has power like this 
To wake the sleeping dead — call back again 
To its clay tenement the spirit flown, 
And cause the warm blood through the veins 

once more 
To course its way, the heart to throb and beat, 
And eyes once closed in death to see again.'' 

He is the resurrection and the life 
And He alone hath power o'er death and hell 
To save all those who put their trust in Him! 
The soul now dead in trespasses and sins ' 
Shall live when He His grace and power im- 
parts. 
Creator, Thou, and Saviour of mankind. 
Author of good and source of light divine. 
Breathe on our hearts that we may feel within 
The power of this new life which Thou dost 

give. 



3flower9 from the UXaysidc 



THE THOUSAND ISLES 

The Thousand Isles, the Thousand Isles, 
Favored with nature's sweetest smiles, 

And famed the wide world o'er; 
Clad in their robes of summer green. 
No fairer isles were ever seen 

This side the heavenly shore. 

If for the ancient isles of Greece 
The poet's praise may never cease. 

Neither shall ours for thee; 
For isles of Greece cannot compare 
In wealth of shade and landscape fair 

With what we here may see. 

If fairy land be half so fair. 

Who could but wish to linger there 

Through all the summer days? 
But fairy land is but a dream, 
While these fair isles are all they seem. 

And so we sing their praise. 

The Venice of the north is here. 
And so, indeed, the gondolier, 

For here the boatman's song 
Floats out the crystal waters o'er, 
While echoes from each rocky shore 

The joyful notes prolong. 



10 Jflowers from the UX^yQxdc 

The Thousand Isles, the Thousand Isles 
Our very weariness beguiles; 

Who would not wish to stay 
Among these scenes so bright and fair, 
Where every pain and every care 

Take wings and fly away. 



THE VOYAGE OF LIFE 

The voyage of life is nearly past. 
And my journey is almost o'er! 

The haven near I see at last, 

And the lights on the other shore. 

So near my home! O can it be 

I've safely crossed life's stormy sea. 

No more will waves rise mountain high, 
And toss my frail bark to and fro. 

Nor dark clouds sweep along the sky. 
Nor angry winds around me blow. 

No more will fear rise in my breast. 

Nor wild alarms disturb my rest. 

A stormy voyage, and yet I know 
His guiding hand was at the helm. 

And waves might dash, and winds might 
blow. 
But they could never overwhelm 

My little bark, for He was near 

To give me strength and banish fear. 



flowcYQ from the Cdayside 11 

But now I near the heavenly shore, 
And soon will anchor in the vale, 

Where storms and tempests are no more, 
Nor summer's heat, nor wintry gale. 

But fadeless flowers forever bloom. 

And shed o'er all their sweet perfume. 

I enter now the vale and see 

A great white throne, uplifted high; 

Not far away the crystal sea. 

And tree of life there standing nigh. 

And lo ! a crown ! O can it be 

This crown of life is meant for me.'' 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

Born February 12th, 1809 

Of humble parentage and lowly birth, 

A life of toil his only heritage. 
He struggled bravely with the ills of earth. 

And, though untutored, grew to be a sage. 
Honest and frank, he won the world's applause. 

And by his genius rose to highest fame: 
A martyr to a great and holy cause. 

He left behind him an untarnished name. 

Wherever Freedom's flag shall be unfurled, 
In every age, whether on land or sea. 



12 J'lowers from the Cdayside 

The name of Lincoln throughout all the world, 
In hearts that love him still enshrined shall 
be. 
Honor and fame, as if with one accord, 

Were given him by those who knew his 
worth. 
And were bestowed as merit's sure reward; 
They did not come by accident of birth. 

The story of his life, whoever reads. 

Must feel inspired with motives pure and high 
To lofty purposes and noble deeds. 

And for the Right be willing e'en to die. 
Who lives for others does not live in vain ; 

And who lays down his life, others to save, 
Will find reward for all his toil and pain 

In that fair land which lies beyond the grave. 

Of rugged spirit and of stalwart form. 

Burdened with care and stooping 'neath its 
weight. 
In crucial hour he breasted the wild storm, 

And to its haven brought the ship of state. 
Four million slaves, by one stroke of his pen, 

Were out of bondage into freedom brought; 
Changed in an hour from chattels into men ! 

This was the wondrous miracle he wrought. 

No granite shaft nor costly mausoleum 
Are needed to perpetuate his fame: 



3flower9 from the QIayside 13 

While moon and stars the firmament illume, 
Mankind will honor and revere his name. 

The Union saved, he closed his eyes in peace, 
Content to know his weary task was done: 

From anxious care he found at last surcease; 
The struggle over, and the goal was won. 



VERITAS PREVALEBIT 

Truth is eternal and it will prevail! 

Who buys it gets what's better far than pelf. 
Error deceives, but truth will never fail, 

In God's own time, to vindicate itself. 

Who hides the truth commits a mortal sin; 

The web that falsehood weaves shall be de- 
stroyed : 
The truth alone will ultimately win; 

Who loves it most will error's path avoid. 

Eternal truth ! Thy throne shall ever stand ! 

Error and falsehood quail before thy power, 
And though they smite sometimes with cruel 
hand. 

They triumph only for a single hour. 

Truth is eternal, and it will prevail! 

Who would destroy will find his efforts vain. 
Sun, moon and stars may in their courses fail, 

But truth, unchanged, forever will remain. 



14 jflowers from the CClayside 

REFLECTIONS ON THE DEATH OF AN 
AGED CHRISTIAN 

He sweetly sleeps a quiet, dreamless sleep, 
No more to waken in this world of pain: 

So peaceful now his rest, why should we weep. 
For him to live was Christ, to die was gain. 

Bravely he strove on life's great battlefield, 
And many were the victories he won. 

To sin's alluring charms he would not yield, 
And only rested when his work was done. 

Saintly his life and peaceful was his death; 

Earth's loss, though great, is heaven's eter- 
nal gain: 
He served his Master till his latest breath. 

And who shall say his service was in vain? 

Mourn not for him whose warfare now is o'er; 

Released forever from his earthly cares. 
He's safely reached the bright and shining 
shore. 

And on his brow the victor's crown he wears. 

No monument for him we need to rear; 

Granite and marble will in time decay, 
But the good deeds he did for mortals here 

Will live when all mankind have passed away. 



Iflowers from the Slay side 15 

Sweet be thy rest, pilgrim of many years ! 

Sorrow and pain thou nevermore shalt know; 
The Lord, thy God, hath wiped away thy tears ; 

Why then for thee should ours not cease to 
flow? 



IF I SHOULD DIE TO-NIGHT 

If I should die to-night will I be missed? 

And o'er my bier will tears of grief be shed? 
Will lips which I so often here have kissed 

Press my cold lips once more when I am 
dead? 

If I should die to-night will some one say, 
Who through my life in some way has been 
blest ; 

"A kind and generous soul hath passed away, 
Fought the good fight and entered into rest?" 

If I should die to-night will any feel 

That they have lost a friend, a brother true, 
Who tried their wounded hearts to soothe and 
heal 
When sorrow's night its shadows o'er them 
threw ? 

If I should die to-night will Jesus say: 
"O come, ye blessed of my Father, rest! 



16 yiowers from the CCtayside 

You've borne the heat and burden of the day, 
Now lay your weary head upon My breast?" 

If I should die to-night will heaven unfold 
At once its glories to my raptured sight, 

And in the morning will my eyes behold 

The Beulah land, the saints in robes of white? 



THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC 

Their ranks are thinning with the years, less 

firm their martial tread. 
And one by one they soon will join the army of 

the dead; 
But on the altar of their hearts still burns the 

sacred fire 
Of patriotic zeal and love for country, home 

and sire. 

Their hands, which once were strong to fight, 

are weak and palsied now; 
Their auburn locks have turned to white, and 

furrowed is each brow; 
But their bent forms stand up erect, their 

bosoms swell with pride 
When of their battle-fields they speak, where 

comrades bled and died. 



flowers from the CClaystde 17 

The bugle call in camp or field is heard by them 
no more; 

The weary march, the fiery charge and bloody 
strife are o'er! 

The strength, the buoyancy of youth with pass- 
ing years have fled, 

But glory, like a victor's crown, rests on each 
hoary head. 

The Grand Army is marching still with almost 

noiseless tread 
On toward that dark, mysterious bourne where 

sleep the countless dead. 
Each year their ranks will thinner grow, as one 

by one they fall. 
And each will answer for himself Death's final 

bugle call. 



HAIL EASTER 

Haii., Easter ! day of all the year 

That comforts most in sorrow, 
That takes from out our hearts all fear 

Of what may come to-morrow. 
It points us to an empty tomb. 

No longer now a prison. 
Robbed of its terror and its gloom 

Since Christ, the Lord, is risen. 



18 yiotrcrs from tbc Cdayside 

Of life and immortality 

This day is now the token; 
The grave has lost its victory, 

The stinor of death is broken. 
Since He arose, we too shall rise, 

And from the grave's dark portal 
Ascend to meet Him in the skies 

With all the hosts immortal. 

He lives ! He lives ! our glorious King : 

In Him we are rejoicing; 
Let all the Easter bells now ring, 

Our joy and gladness voicing. 
No more we fear death's icy hand, 

Nor in his presence shiver ; 
On Jordan's banks we waiting, stand, 

And long to cross the river. 

Hail, Easter! day of all the year 

That brings us most of gladness : 
Its messages of hope and cheer 

Dispel all thoughts of sadness. 
Our faith in Him who ever lives 

On earth will fail us never, 
Eternal life to us He gives, 

A home with Him forever. 



]f lower 8 from the QIa)?8ide 19 

I SHALL NOT PASS THIS WAY AGAIN 

I SHALL not pass this way again ! 

I speak the truth in sorrow; 
The good I ought to do to-day, 

I may not do to-morrow, 
If I this moment shall withhold 

The help I might be giving. 
Some soul may die, and I shall lose 

The sweetest joy of living. 

Only the present hour is mine — 

I may not have another, 
In which to speak a kindly word. 

Or help a fallen brother. 
The path of life leads straight ahead; 

I can retrace it never ; 
The daily record which I make 

Will stand unchanged forever. 

To cheer and comfort other souls. 

And make their pathways brighter. 
To lift the load from other hearts. 

And make their burdens lighter. 
This is the work we have to do ! 

It must not be neglected; 
That we improve each passing hour 

Is of us all expected. 



20 Iflowers from the Cdayside 

I shall not pass this way again! 

O ! then with high endeavor 
May I my life and service give 

To Him who reigns forever. 
Then will the failures of the past 

No longer bring me sadness, 
And His approving smiles will fill 

My heart with joy and gladness. 



THE FIRST CHRISTMAS 

Bright shone the stars, as from their lofty 
height 
They looked down on the plains of Bethlehem, 
Where shepherds watched their drowsy flocks 

that night, 
And knew not that an angel robed in white 
Waited so near with tidings glad for them. 

But so it was, for suddenly there shone 

Around them, where the night had cast its 
shade, 
The glory of the Lord, light from His throne, 
Brighter by far than they had ever known, 
And filled with wonder, they were sore afraid. 

"Fear not," the angel said, "for lo, I bring 

Good tidings of great joy! To you is born 
This day in Bethlehem a Saviour, King." 



3flowers from the Cdaysidc 21 

Por very joy the heavenly hosts did sing, 
And earth rejoiced on its first Christmas 
morn. 

Though nineteen hundred years have passed 
away 
Since Christ, our Lord, an infant came to 
earth. 
We've not forgotten that most blessed day, 
But with glad hearts, and in a joyful way. 
At Christmas time we celebrate His birth. 

Love found its greatest sacrifice in Him, 

And love which makes no sacrifice is dead! 
His cup of joy is filled up to the brim. 
And hope's bright star can never more grow dim 

Within whose heart such wondrous love is 
shed. 
Those we love most our choicest gifts receive, 

And glad are we our friendship thus to show 
For those in whom we trust and most believe, 
And for His sake who came on Christmas eve, 

At this glad time our largess we bestow. 

Have we no gifts for Him who gave Himself.'' 
And is there aught with which we would not 
part 

For His dear sake, so precious in itself? 

Ah, this we know. He does not care for pelf; 
One gift alone He asks ; it is the heart. 



22 fXowcYQ from the CClayside 

"Give me thine heart !" O hear we not the call? 

How from it can we turn ourselves away? 
Here at the mercy seat may we not fall, 
And give our hearts, our service, and our all 

To Him who loves us, on this Christmas Day? 



ALIVE FOREVERMORE 

" / am He that liveth and was dead ; and, behold, 
I am alive forevermore." Rev. 11., 18. 

On lonely Patmos, where the roar 
Of breaking waves on rocky shore. 
Made music wild, an exile stood, 
Half sheltered by a leafy wood. 
And gazing upward, as in prayer. 
Beheld a vision, wondrous fair. 
The gates of heaven were open wide. 
And light streamed forth on every side. 
When close beside him seemed to stand, 
One like unto the Son of Man! 
His head and hair were white as snow; 
His feet like burnished brass did glow; 
His garment reaching to the ground. 
Was with a golden girdle bound; 
His countenance was brighter far 
Than mid-day sun or blazing star. 
And when His voice the exile heard 
He uttered not a single word. 



Jflowcrs from tbc dayside 23 

But on his bosom bowed his head, 

And fell before Him as one dead. 

With His right hand, God's holy Son 

Reached forth and touched the prostrate one, 

And bade him rise: "Fear not," He said, 

"I'm He that liveth and was dead! 

This truth be known from shore to shore, 

I am alive forevermore." 

How blest was John on Patmos isle 

To see his Lord, and list the while 

To anthems sung by angel choirs. 

And seraphs with their golden lyres ; 

And blest are we, for this we know. 

He lives and walks with saints below; 

He liveth now who once was dead. 

And is become our living Head: 

Our hearts shall sing it o'er and o'er, 

**He is alive forevermore." 



WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD RATHER 
THAN MEN 

The story, I doubt not, you often have heard. 
How once on a time a whole city was stirred 
By a few Galileans, who lately had been 
Sent forth by their Lord to be fishers of men. 

They had seen Him on Calvary suffer and die; 
At Olivet watched Him ascend up on high; 



24 Jflowcrs from the Cdayside 

And waiting had prayed for the Pentecost 

shower, 
Which came on their hearts, a baptism of power. 

To them in large numbers the sick had been 

brought. 
Miraculous healing for whom had been wrought ; 
And some were laid near them (they could not 

touch all). 
That on them the shadow of Peter might fall. 

In the temple the Council heard with dismay 
How many believed, and were carried away 
By the doctrines they taught, and things which 

they said 
Of Him whom they claimed had been raised 

from the dead. 

Before this great Council the twelve were then 

brought, 
And questioned concerning the doctrines they 

taught ; 
Then straitly commanded, as told to their 

shame. 
To speak to the people no more in His name. 

But Peter, and those who were with him, replied ; 
"This Jesus whom you in your hate crucified; 
Whom ye wickedly slew and hanged on a tree, 
Him God hath exalted at His right hand to be 



3flower8 from tbc CClayside 25 

A Prince and a Saviour, repentance to give, 
And remission of sins to the soul that would 

live. 
This doctrine we've preached and shall preach 

it again, 
For we ought to obey God rather than men." 

The Council enraged would have put them to 

death, 
But fearing the people they stifled their wrath. 
From their presence, unharmed, the Apostles 

withdrew. 
The work of their Master again to renew. 

O, may we as Christians be faithful as they. 
And the word of the Lord as strictly obey; 
For truth never changes, and now, e'en as then, 
We ought to obey jGrod rather than men. 



AN EASTER LESSON 

'TwAS April, and at Easter time; 

The winds were raw and chill; 
Though it was time for spring to come. 

The winter lingered still. 
I waded through the drifts of snow 

To church that Easter morn; 
The sky above was dark with clouds, 

The earth looked most forlorn. 



26 flowcvQ from the Wayside 



High in the branches of a tree, 

I heard a robin sing, 
And my young heart glad welcome gave 

This harbinger of spring. 
But how on such a dreary day, 

'Mid storms and drifting snow, 
Could birdlet sing such happy song? 

I wished that I might know. 

Then came this thought: 'Tis God who gave 

This bird the power of song, 
And knowledge that the spring would not 

Delay its coming long. 
It knew full well that sunny skies 

And balmy days were near, 
That budding leaves and wildwood flowers 

Would very soon appear. 

The cold and storm could not destroy 

Its hope of coming spring; 
For joy, because it was so near. 

It could not help but sing. 
A lesson here for man, I thought. 

When darkest storms arise, 
When waves of sorrow o'er us roll. 

And clouds obscure the skies. 

Can we not sing for very joy 

Though dark our way appear? 
May we not look beyond the storm. 



ytowers from the CJayside 2 7 

And see the haven near? 
Our risen Lord has conquered death, 

And chased away the gloom 
That shrouds the soul in darkest night, 

And veils the silent tomb. 

Look up my soul! The storm will cease 

The winter pass away; 
Eternal spring is close at hand, 

My heart shall sing to-day. 
A robin's faith and trust shall not 

Be stronger, Lord, than mine: 
I know thy promises are sure. 

Thy word is all divine. 



THE DEAR CHURCH HOME 

I ne'er can forget, wherever I roam, 

The hours I have spent in the dear church 

home ! 
The songs and the prayers, the shouts and the 

tears. 
Fade not away with the flight of the years. 

In the dear church home where our fathers 

prayed, 
And on its altars their offerings laid; 
Where our mothers sang in the years gone by, 
If it please the Lord, I would live and die. 



28 Iflowere from the m^ysidc 

Here at its altars I first learned to pray, 
And here I commenced to walk the new way; 
The light of His face first on me here shone, 
And brought me a peace I never had known. 

In the dear church home, with the saints of God, 
I have walked the aisles which our fathers trod! 
And have heard again the sweet songs of praise 
Which so thrilled my heart an the olden days. 

Yes, dear to my heart is the old church home! 
From its sacred courts I would never roam: 
Here with His people I still would meet. 
And worship with them in fellowship sweet. 



TO-MORROW 

How many hearts with longing hopes 

Are waiting for to-morrow; 
To some 'twill bring a wealth of joy, 

To some its cup of sorrow. 
We bear the burdens of to-day 

And often find them lighter 
In thinking that to-morrow's sky 

Will be a little brighter. 

Our hearts would oftentimes grow faint, 

And we be still more weary. 
The world would have less charms for us, 



3flowers from the Cdayside 29 

And life seem dark and dreary, 
If it were not for hopes that cling 

To something yet before us ; 
To-morrow's hand of promise holds 

Its silken curtain o'er us. 

The grief that rends our hearts when death 

Earth's tenderest ties doth sever, 
E'en though upheld by unseen hands, 

We could not bear forever. 
Our loving Father hath ordained 

For us surcease of sorrow. 
And so hath put within our hearts 

Hopes of a blest to-morrow. 



THE OMNIPOTENCE OF JEHOVAH 

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness 
thereof : 

He holdeth all things in His hands. 
The rivers that flow, and the winds that blow. 

Are subject to His commands. 

He speaketh and lo ! the loud tempest is stilled. 
The waves of the sea sink to rest; 

The lightnings which flash when thunderbolts 
crash 
Must ever obey His behest. 



30 Iflowers from the (Hayside 

He guideth the stars in their measureless course 
Through infinite regions of space; 

They go not astray; He knoweth their way, 
And holdeth them all in their place. 

He spreads out the sea and saith to its waves 
As wildly they break on the shore: 

Thy bounds have been made; here shalt thou 
be stayed; 
Thus far shalt thou come and no more. 

He ruleth the worlds He hath fashioned and 
made, 

And knoweth and keepeth them all: 
Omnipotent King; His praises we'll sing, 

His name we will ever extol. 



MY MOTHER'S HAND 

I STOOD one day in childhood's happy years 
Beside my mother in our humble home. 

And vainly tried to check the falling tears 
Which all unbidden to my eyes would come. 

With tender interest, in her quiet way, 

She asked the cause of so much childish grief ; 

And when I told her was not slow to say 

Such words as brought me comfort and re- 
lief. 



Jflowers from the ISL^ysidc 31 

I had been playing with some older boys, 
More rude perhaps than boys are wont to be, 

When angry grown they broke my childish toys 
And with harsh words and foul upbraided me. 

Upon my head in tenderness she laid 
Her hand so softly I could scarcely feel 

Its gentle touch, and then she slowly said: 
"My son, this wound a mother's love shall 
heal! 

But hear thou this: the days will surely come 
When older grown your heart will feel the 
pain 
Of cruel words, spoken perhaps by some 

You counted as your friends, though all in 
vain. 

Then will you need a love that's stronger still 
Than any which a mother's heart can feel — • 

The love and help of Him whose gracious will 
It is our hearts to soothe, their wounds to 
heal." 

Long years have passed since that eventful day, 
Completing cycles in their ceaseless round. 

And oft while walking in life's thorny way 
Have her prophetic words fulfillment found. 



32 Iflowers from the daysidc 

And when some evil tongue with malice fraught^ 
Through envy, jealousy, and bitter hate 

With lying words in cruelty have sought 

To crush my heart beneath their heavy 
weight, 



Then have I felt, as in that far-off time. 
The tender pressure of her loving hand 

Laid on my brow, and with a joy sublime 
Have seemed once more close by her side ta 
stand ; 

And in the love of Him which never fails, 
The certain help He never does withhold. 

My heart has rested, and through peaceful vales 
I've sought and found safe shelter in His 
fold. 



FAMILY WORSHIP 

Finished the morning meal, without delay 
To the adjoining room all now repair, 

Ere they begin the labors of the day 

To consecrate themselves to God in prayer. 

In this dear home an altar had been reared 
Long years before, where still unquenched 
and bright 



Iflowers from the Cdayside 33 

The holy fire of love divine appeared 

To burn and glow with clear and steady 
light. 

Taking the word of God and sitting down, 
The husband and the father reads aloud. 

Stopping a moment sometimes to expound 
The truth he loves and has so long avowed. 

The children listen with attentive ear, 

And deepest interest to their honored sire; 

Their priest he is, and him do they revere: 
For love so pure our hearts may well aspire. 

The reading over, falls a hush profound ! 

Each waiting heart is filled with inward 
peace. 
And at the altar, as they kneel around. 

To worldly cares there comes a sweet release. 

The prayer begins with words of lofty praise 
To Him who crowns with blessing all the 
years. 

Who leads His children in such pleasant ways,, 
Revives their hopes and dissipates their fears.. 

The needs of each he voices in his prayer. 

And humbly asks that in each heart may 
dwell 



34 flowers from the Wayside 

The love which never yields to wild despair, 
The faith which says: "He doeth all things 
well !" 

The service over, each one goes his way. 
His willing task with pleasure to perform, 

And brighter far to them will be the day 

Because of worship in their home that morn. 

Thrice blest, indeed, is such a Christian home: 
! may their number in the land increase : 

From such an one but few would care to roam, 
For nowhere else abides such perfect peace. 



GOOD-BY, OLD YEAR 

GooD-BY, old year ! I grieve to have thee go ! 
Thou wast my friend, and blessings brought 
each day! 
^Tis sad to part, but then, alas ! I know 

Thine hour has come; thou canst no longer 
stay. 

Good-by, old year ! I never can forget 

The happy days, and nights of peaceful rest 

Thou gavest me: Their mem'ry lingers yet 
Like pleasant dreams, safe hidden in my 
breast. 



3flower9 from the Cdaystde 35 

Good-by, old year! Thy days are numbered 
now! 

No more for thee the rise or set of sun! 
To Time's stern edict thou must also bow 

And say as mortals must, "My work is done." 

Good-by, old year ! Though thou dost pass 
away 

To join the ranks of other years now fled, 
Thy record lives, and will survive for aye, 

As do our records when we too are dead. 



Good-by, old year! For all that thou hast 
brought 
Of good or ill, of inward joy or pain. 
Of wisdom gained, the lessons thou hast taught, 
I give thee thanks ; they're not bestowed in 
vain. 

Good-by, old year ! The new is at the door ; 

Give it thy greeting as it draweth nigh: 
Thou goest now, and to return no more; 

Good-by old year! Again I say, good-by. 



36 yiowcrs from the Cdayside 

THE DAYS ARE PASSING 

The days are passing: Fast and faster still 
The hours go by, unhindered in their flight; 

The dawn, the noontide hour, the twilight chill, 
And then the gloom and darkness of the 
night. 

The days are passing, never to return! 

A single moment we may not recall! 
Most needful then that we betimes should learn 

How to improve and wisely use them all. 

The days are passing, and I know full well 
There'll come sometime the last, last one! 

How soon, just when, no mortal now can tell, 
Nor need I care if so my work be done. 

The days are passing, adding to the years 
Of my short pilgrimage here on the earth, 

Bringing their cares, their sorrows and their 
fears. 
Of which in human hearts there is no dearth. 

The days are passing: Wherefore should I 
grieve. 

Though fast and faster still the shuttle fly, 
If in the warp and woof of life I weave 

Such deeds of love as never here can die.^* 

The days are passing, but each one doth bring 
Me nearer to that home not far away. 

Where angel choirs their sweetest anthems sing, 
And where there is but one eternal day. 



Iflowers from the QIayeidc 37 

SOME DAY 

Some day the clouds that darkly lower 

Above me now, will lifted be, 
And in the light of that glad hour, 

With clearer vision I will see 
How all things, as He said they would, 
Have worked together for my good. 

Some day this weariness will cease; 

These hands so tired will be at rest. 
And the full tide of heavenly peace 

Will flow unhindered in my breast; 
My bosom heave no more with sighs. 
Nor tears again bedim my eyes. 

Some day life's mysteries will be 

All solved and made as clear as day: 

From doubts and fears I shall be free, 
For these will all have passed away. 

And basking in the light divine, 

All heavenly joys will then be mine. 

Some day, just when, God knoweth best, 
I'll greet the loved ones gone before. 

And in the mansions of the blest 
Rejoice with them forevermore. 

I'll see the King upon His throne. 

And know even as I am known. 



38 Iflowcrs from the Cdayside 

"HE SHALL GIVE HIS ANGELS 
CHARGE." 

"For He shall give His angels charge over thee to 
keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up lest 
thou dash thy foot against a stone. ' ' Psalm XCI : 
11-12, 

My souii look up ! Though dark the way may 
seem, 

And wild the path my weary feet must tread ; 
Though earthly hopes may vanish like a dream, 

And storms and tempests rise above my head, 
Be not afraid! His angels still are near, 

And will not let me walk this way alone. 
For they have charge o'er me lest in my fear 

I dash my foot, alas ! against a stone. 

Asleep, awake, at home or far away. 

In city mart or forest wilds alone. 
Wherever in my wanderings I stray. 

Whether with friends or strangers all un- 
known. 
Still faithful to their charge, my angel guides 

Watch over me and give me sweetest rest. 
While in my heart the peace of God abides. 

And His pure love inspires my throbbing 
breast. 

Sorrow and tears must vanish when we feel 
His angels near us, all our ways to keep ; 



flowcYQ from the Wayside 39 



And every wound which time has made shall 
heal, 

For He does give to His beloved sleep. 
O then my soul look up nor be dismayed! 

There is no darkness but must flee away: 
His angels 'round me, I am not afraid ! 

They'll bear me safely to the realms of day. 



KATIE AND I 

The summer skies were bright and fair. 

The breezes stirred the heather. 
As Kate and I without a care 

Walked home from school together. 
Across the meadows far away, 

From fields of ripened clover. 
There came the scent of new-mown hay 

Some men were stirring over. 

We both were young, but both had felt 

An interest in each other; 
At the same altar both had knelt. 

And she had called me brother. 
I often helped her in her task. 

It pleased her, and I knew it. 
And sometimes she would come and ask 

If I would help her do it. 



40 Jflowers from the Wayside 

That afternoon we loitered long 

The wayside flowers to gather, 
And once we stopped to sing a song 

That we had learned together. 
Of summer flowers a wreath I made 

And on her hat did tie it; 
"You are my queen," I laughing said, 

"Now Katie, don't deny it." 

"Your queen indeed! that will not do; 

I must be something dearer;" 
And then she spake with voice so low 

That I could scarcely hear her. 
"A sweeter title I would have 

Than that which you have given; 
His wife I'd be whose love I crave, 

And love is born in heaven !" 

The western sky was all aglow 

With gold and crimson blended. 
And still with lingering steps and slow 

Our homeward way we wended. 
We saw the milk-maid by the stile. 

The kine from fields returning, 
But spake not of our love, the while. 

Which in our hearts was burning. 

At last we reached her dooryard gate. 

And I was fain to leave her; 
She took my hand and bade me wait. 



3flowcr9 from the dayside 41 

My going seemed to grieve her. 
We stood beneath a traihng vine, 

Our hearts we could not sever. 
I whispered: "Katie be thou mine;" 

She answered — "thine forever !" 

The drifting years have come and gone 

Bringing their joy and sorrow; 
Each day has had its hopeful dawn, 

And each its sad to-morrow. 
Above the grave where Katie sleeps 

The grass has long been growing 
The bending willow o'er her weeps. 

And summer winds are blowing. 



HE LEADETH ME 

I KNOW not the field where the Master to-day 
Would have me to glean and the sheaves 
gather in; 

But this I do know, He will show me the way 
To garner the souls I am striving to win. 

A prayer or a tear; e'en the glance of an eye 
He will use to soften some heart that is cold! 

The Spirit will help me if only I try 

To lead a stray sheep back again to the fold. 



42 Jflowers from the Wayside 

I cannot quite tell where to-day He will lead, 
Nor on what errands He will ask me to go; 

But of this I am sure, whatever my need. 
His wisdom and grace He will freely bestow* 

Not blindly, I ween, do I follow my Lord, 
For moment by moment He lighteth the way: 

With faith that fails not in His dear, precious 
word 
I take up the burdens and work of each day* 



OPPORTUNITY 

My heart is sorely grieved and sad to-night 

For what I've lost and none can e'er restore: 
This day a jewel rare and priceless quite 
Dropped from my hands and vanished out of 
sight. 
And I shall never, never see it more. 

O could I live over this day again, 

I'd hold my jewel at whatever cost. 
That from my hand it might not slip away, 
And I be forced at eventide to say 

As now, alas ! through my neglect 'twas lost. 

My earthly gains, fruitage of toilsome years. 
Though lost, may be restored to me again; 



yiowers from the daysidc 43 

But this one jewel, when it disappears, 
Cannot be found, though sought with many 
tears ; 
It once was mine ; I should have used it then. 

What is this jewel which I lost to-day, 

For which I grieve and sorrow so to-night? 
'Tis opportunity! It would not stay, 
And I allowed it thus to pass away 

All unimproved, so blinded was my sight. 



THIS DAY IS MINE 

This day is mine ! To-morrow may not be ! 

I do not know that it will ever come ! 
Another day I may not live to see: 

These lips which now can speak may then be 
dumb. 

This day is mine! No moment can I spare 
For idle thoughts or self-indulgent ease; 

The work He gives to-day, with love and care 
Must be done now if I my Lord would please. 

This day is mine ! It soon will pass away. 
Swept backward in the tide of vanished years : 

I cannot have again a misspent day 

Though I should seek it carefully with tears. 



44. Iflowers from the dayside 

This day is mine ! How swift the moments fly ! 

Alas for me if when at set of sun 
In looking back with sad and tearful eye, 

I find too late my work has not been done. 

This day is mine! God gives me all my days 
That I may work for Him and do His will, 

And if each day I walk in wisdom's ways, 
He'll guide my steps and love and keep me 
still. 

This day is mine! O then with all my might, 
For love of Him, and with a faith sublime. 

Let me each task perform, and feel at night 
That all my work is even with my time. 



WASHINGTON 

Born Feb. 22nd, 1732; Died Dec. l^th, 1799. 

Soldier and statesman, patriot and seer. 

The greatness of whose deeds made great his 
name, 
That name to all his countrymen so dear. 

Now written highest on the scroll of fame. 
Of all our great men, let the truth be told. 

Freedom has given to the world but one 
Whose life was fashioned in a perfect mould, 

And he our own beloved Washington. 



Iflowers from the Cdayside 45 

In war a hero, brave and undismayed, 

However strong the foe he fought might be: 
On Freedom's altar all he had was laid. 

And he resolved his country should be free. 
Through fields of blood he led his armies on, 

Nor did his toil and sacrifices cease 
Until the last great victory was won. 

And his strong arm had brought the country 
peace. 

The kingly honors offered him he spurned; 

'Twas not for throne nor royalty he fought: 
The freedom which he craved was fully earned; 

This was the priceless heritage he sought. 
There at Mount Vernon, in his quiet home. 

He chose to spend the remnant of his days ; 
From scenes so fair he wished no more to roam, 

Though all the land was breathing forth his 
praise. 

But called again, he could not disobey, 

Not now to war, but to the halls of state, 
Great was the joy and jubilant that day 

When he became our first Chief Magistrate. 
In war a chieftain, but in peace a man 

Who knew the art of government so well 
That he could rule with firm and gentle hand, 

And all the forms of evil could repel. 



46 Iflowers from the Slaystdc 



Where the Potomac in its ceaseless flow 

Sweeps ever onward to the distant sea, 
Our hero sleeps, who conquered every foe, 

And bravely fought to make a nation free. 
Honor and praise for him will never cease: 

The father of his country, and its friend, 
Who first in war, was also first in peace. 

And first in hearts of his own countrymen. 



SINCE MOTHER DIED 

Upon our home a shadow has been cast. 

Where once the sunlight only seemed to fall; 

So dark the present and so bright the past. 
We know wherefore and understand it all! 

She is not here who once sat by our side. 

And we are all so sad since mother died. 

Vacant the chair where she was wont to rest, 
When weary with the labors of the day. 

And where in childhood to her loving breast 
She folded us and wiped our tears away. 

Sacred it seems ; no other chair beside 

Is half so dear to us since mother died. 

Since mother died there is a loneliness. 

And sense of loss which we most deeply feel, 
Intensified by inward consciousness 



jflowers from the dayside 47 

That there are wounds which time can never 
heah 
The tears which fall we can no longer chide, 
So dark the world does seem since mother died. 

There is a stillness now in every room, 

And softer fall our footsteps on the floor; 
The flowers which by the garden wall still bloom 
Have not the fragrance which they had be- 
fore. 
The sorrow in our breasts we cannot hide. 
For everything seems changed since mother 
died. 

Stricken our hearts, and crushed beneath the 
blow 

Which fell on us when she was called away: 
Our grief we could not bear did we not know 

That we should meet again some brighter day, 
And with her in that home of bliss abide; 
This is our only hope since mother died. 



EASTER DAY 

Shine forth, O sun, from yon blue sky 
With clear and undimmed ray; 

Blow soft ye winds, nor moan, nor sigh, 
For this is Easter day. 



48 3ft<^wer8 from the CClayside 

Let all the earth rejoice and sing 

A glad, triumphant song, 
And let the children of the King, 

The happy strains prolong. 

Wherefore rejoice while sin and death 

So shroud the earth in gloom. 
While sin pollutes with poisoned breath, 

And Death waits by the tomb? 
Because the sting of death is gone, 

The grave has lost its prey; 
Death conquered was at early dawn 

Of that first Easter day. 

Behold we now our risen Lord! 

O tell it o'er and o'er. 
He rose according to His word 

And lives forevermore! 
Because He lives we, too, shall live. 

And reign with Him above: 
There are no pangs which death can give, 

For death must yield to love. 



OUR COUNTRY'S FLAG 

Where'er our starry flag doth wave. 

Whether on land or sea, 
It is the standard of the brave. 

The emblem of the free. 



Iflowers frotn the Cdayside 49 

Beneath its folds the weak grow strong, 

The timid lose their fears, 
And joining in the battle song 

They meet the foe with cheers. 

It proudly waved that glorious day 

On Saratoga's plain, 
When England's choicest chivalry 

Were numbered with the slain. 
'Twas seen at Yorktown in the glow 

Of the ascending sun, 
And all the world rejoiced to know 

That Freedom's cause had won. 

At Gettysburg, though stained with blood. 

It floated grandly still 
Above our boys who bravely stood 

On Cemetery hill. 
And when had ceased the bloody war. 

The nation gladly knew 
That none might pluck a single star 

From out its field of blue. 

Our country's flag, on land or sea, 

O may it long remain 
The emblem of the brave and free. 

Unsullied by a stain. 
Who fights beneath its starry folds 

Must fight for freedom's cause 
The nation's honor it upholds, 

And vindicates her laws. 



50 Iflowers from the (Jdayside 



TRUE COURAGE 

To CHARGE the foe on bloody battlefield, 

And face the awful storm of shot and shell, 

To scale the ramparts, and with sword and 
shield 

Grapple with foes determined not to yield. 
Requires such courage as historians tell 
Of Spartans at Thermopylae who fell. 

Who gropes his way through stifling smoke and 
flame. 
In burning house to save a human life. 
Is crowned a hero ; and we write his name 
Above all others on the scroll of fame. 
A hero truly, and with courage rife. 
Greater than those who meet in deadly strife. 

And brave is he who at the helm still stands. 
Though 'neath his feet the red flames hiss 
and roar. 
And steers the vessel with his blistered hands 
Until within the harbor near she lands. 

He gives his life ; he could not well do more. 
But safely brings all others to the shore. 

There is a courage greater in God's sight 
Than we have named; the courage to say 
"no" 
When siren voice would turn us from the right, 



3f lowers from the Wayside 51 



And lead us on to sin against the light: 

When Satan, seeking still our overthrow, 
Would take us where our feet should never 
go. 

The courage to say "no" when asked to press 
The wine cup to our lips, though men may 
jeer. 
To firmly hold to ways of righteousness, 
Though for such zeal the world esteems us less ; 
Forsaking all that once we held most dear, 
That we may serve our Lord and Master 
here. 

The highest courage, greatest then of all. 

Which honors God and most ennobles man, 
Is that true courage nothing can appall, 
Which quick responds to duty's earnest call; 
Upholding Right, according to God's plan. 
And fighting Wrong in every way we can. 



THE GOLDEN GATES OF THE WEST 

I STOOD at the window one evening, 

As the sun was sinking low; 
The shadows a mantle were weaving 

To cover the earth below; 



52 flowers from the ^Cdayeide 

And I saw through the open gateway, 

That circled the crimson west, 
A golden path that led away 

To the mansions of the blest. 

O ! was it a dream or a vision 
That filled my soul with delight? 

I beheld in that home elysian 

The saints in their robes of white! 

As I gazed on the scene I wondered 

Why it is we mourn and weep 
When our dearest earth-ties are sundered, 

And our loved ones fall asleep. 

They have joined the host of immortals 

In their blissful home of rest! 
Heaven has opened to them its portals — 

The golden gates of the west. 



JOHN KNOX 

Born in East Lothian, Scotland, May 21sty 1505; 
Died Nov. 2^th, 1572. 

Reformer, hero, prophet, saint, and seer. 
Old Scotia never reared a nobler son; 

Of lords and bishops and great men the peer, 
He bravely wrought until his work was done. 

While at St. Andrews, in his student days, 



flowers from the Cdayside 53 

He learned this truth which later served him 
well, 
That only those who hold to righteous ways 
In noble deeds and great reforms excel. 

"Councils are higher than the Pope," he cried, 
"And kings their power from subjects must 
receive : 
When these with sin and Satan are allied 

Mankind must suffer and the good will 
grieve." 
Unmoved by threats, and fearless for the Right 

He did not shun God's counsel to declare, 
But thundered forth the truth with all his 
might. 
Facing the lion in his secret lair. 

Queen Mary thought to bribe him with her gold, 

And failing, sought to win him with her tears ; 
He was not fashioned in that kind of mould. 

And all her pleadings fell on listless ears. 
She feared his prayers and trembled when he 
spake 

Of wrongs committed in Religion's name, 
And doubtless would have burned him at the 
stake 

Had not his words set Scotland all aflame. 

Of giant intellect and graceful speech. 
He won his way into the hearts of men, 



54 flowcvQ from the CClayside 

And moved the masses whom he sought to reach 
By the strange magic of his tongue and pen. 

Scholars and statesmen heard him with delight, 
And by his logic were compelled to see 

That Truth is power, and that the cause of 
Right 
In all the world would yet triumphant be. 

Four hundred years their cycles now have run 
Since first his eyes beheld the light of day, 

And still his fame, bright as the noonday sun. 
Survives the years and will not pass away. 

East Lothian that greets the early morn 

With songs of birds and minstrels' joyful 

lay, 
Renowned shall be, since here John Knox was 
born, 
That man of God who feared not face of clay. 



CHARACTER 

The noblest product of a human life 
Is character, on which there is no stain. 

It is not in the market to be bought. 

But from the purest metal must be wrought. 
And tested often in the hottest fire. 
Till fully cleansed from every base desire. 

Exalted high above all earthly strife 

Is he who mastery o'er himself shall gain. 



3flower9 from the Wayside 55 



In all the world there's nothing more sublime, 
When it is molded after God's own plan, 

Than character, well rounded and complete, 

Justice its throne and love its mercy seat. 
Honor and virtue counted of more worth 
Than all the pomp and pageantry of earth: 

This truth abides, and will, throughout all time, 
'Tis character, not dress, that makes the man. 



THE ADVENT SONG 

How sweet the song which angels sang 

That night on Bethlehem's plain; 
The Judean hills with music rang. 

And joined in the refrain: 
"Peace here on earth. Good Will to men," 

And every heart grew strong 
With faith, and hope and courage, when 

They heard the Advent song. 

Down through the years, since that glad night 

The world has felt the thrill. 
The holy rapture and delight. 

Which comes from God's Good Will; 
And Peace like the full river's flow 

Has poured its tide on them. 
Who, in their hearts, have come to know 

The Christ of Bethlehem. 



56 3flower9 from the CClayside 

Song of the angels hear we still, 

And on each Christmas Day, 
In all our hearts, Peace and Good Will, 

Hold undisputed sway. 
To Him who is the Prince of Peace, 

The suppliant knee we bend; 
His Kingdom ever must increase. 

His reign shall never end. 



I KNOW HE WILL 

If from the straight and narrow way. 
My wayward feet should chance to stray, 
As in some thoughtless hour they may. 

Against His wish and will, 
And I, repenting, seek His face, 
Determined still to run the race. 
He will restore me to my place; 

I know He will; I know He will. 

If in my heart His word I hide. 
And in His promises abide. 
Whatever else may me betide. 

He'll love and keep me still : 
His blessings on me He will shower. 
My footsteps guide, and hour by hour 
Will keep me by His mighty power; 

I know He will; I know He will. 



Iflowers from the dayside 57 

Though anxious fears rise in my breast, 
And heavy burdens on me rest, 
It is His will ; He knoweth best ! 

His promise He'll fulfill, 
My griefs and sorrows here to share. 
To lighten every load of care. 
And help me still my cross to bear ; 

I know He will; I know He will. 

When here my pilgrimage shall end. 
And Death his messenger shall send. 
My strongest, truest, sweetest Friend 

Will be my helper still. 
He'll bear me o'er the swelling tide. 
In safety to the other side. 
With Him forever to abide; 

I know He will; I know He will. 



I CANNOT DOUBT 

That I shall see again some day 

The dear ones I have loved so well. 
Who from our midst have passed away. 

In brighter, fairer climes to dwell; 
That I shall hear their voices sweet. 

And join with them in rapturous shout, 
When face to face again we meet, 

I cannot doubt; I cannot doubt. 



58 flowcYQ from the CClayside 

That my dear Lord has gone before, 

And has prepared a place for me 
On yonder bright and shining shore 

Where all the heavenly mansions be; 
That He will take me to that home, 

That home I've heard so much about, 
From His dear side no more to roam, 

I cannot doubt; I cannot doubt. 

That I shall find the rest I crave 

In that sweet home of bliss above. 
And lifted be on every wave 

Of His redeeming grace and love 
To heights of rapture, all unknown. 

To those who are His love without. 
And sit with Him upon His throne, 

I cannot doubt; I cannot doubt. 



HE LOVES ME STILL 

Though from my Saviour's side I stray. 
And oft rebel against His will, 

Forgetting that the narrow way 

Alone will lead to endless day, 

He loves me still; He loves me still. 

And though I grieve the Spirit kind 
Who would my heart with rapture fill. 



Jflowers from the ^^ymdc 59 

And choose the rather to be blind 
Than seek the light which all may find, 
He loves me still; He loves me still. 

Though I refuse His voice to hear, 

And feel no more the wondrous thrill 
Of His sweet presence, ever near 
To those who are to Him so dear, 
He loves me still; He loves me still. 

O blessed Lord! Thy love divine 
Will yet subdue my stubborn will; 

Come Thou into this heart of mine. 

And let me be forever thine, 

And love me still; and love me still. 



GLADSTONE 

Like the strong oak which has for years with- 
stood 

The pelting storm and winter's fiercest blast, 
Gladstone the great, the noble, and the good. 

Beneath the weight of years succumbs at last. 
His throbbing heart, that beat for all mankind, 

Now throbs no more; his voice which thrilled 
and stirred 
His fellow men of every race and kind. 

In Britian's realms no longer will be heard. 



60 ^flowers from the dayside 



His was the greatness of a soul so great 

That it could sympathize and feel for all 
Who suffered wrong and groaned beneath the 
weight 

Of tyrant rule — its wormwood and its gall. 
For such he plead with potent voice and pen 

In halls of state and through the public press ; 
A fearless advocate and faithful friend, 

Whom none could bribe, no earthly power 
suppress. 

Like the great Commoner, John Bright, he stood 

For equal rights, best heritage of man. 
And while in place of power did what he could 

To right all wrongs and put them under ban. 
Christian and statesman, his exalted worth 

Sooner or later will the nations know; 
Brave, royal soul, if not of royal birth. 

On thee all honor must the world bestow. 

In every land where England's fame is known. 

Her wide domain which knows no setting sun, 
Among her great, illustrious names, alone 

Gladstone's will rank the highest, noblest 
one. 
Proud are we of the Anglo-Saxon race 

For such a son, so gifted, brave and true; 
Rejoice ye angels, give the hero place, 

While our sad hearts bid him a long adieu. 



fXowcvQ from the Olaysidc 61 



ON THE DEATH OF A FRIEND 

Say not that he is dead, that nevermore 

We'll hear his voice, nor see him sweetly 
smile ; 
But rather say, he's only gone before 

To wait our coming just a little while! 
Having now passed that dark and silent bourne 

Which all must pass, and entered into rest. 
Why should our hearts be sad, and wherefore 
mourn ? 

God willed it so, and surely He knows best. 

His heart was true as needle to the pole. 

Seeking for those he loved their highest weal ; 
No wound so deep but that his generous soul. 

At every cost, would strive some way to heal. 
His life was thus a benediction sweet 

To all those friends who knew and loved him 
well; 
From none did he withhold more than was meet ; 

Of all his kindly deeds, ah who can tell? 

The shaft of death which pierced his house of 
clay 

Could never rob us of a friend so dear ; 
For though his spirit now has passed away. 

And though we nevermore shall see him here. 
He is not dead, but lives and loves us still. 

And thinks of us, as we now think of him; 
So will we bow to God's most gracious will. 

And check our tears while yet our eyes are 
dim. 



62 yiowcrs from the Cdaysidc 

OLD AGE A CROWN OF GLORY 

Can I forget the halcyon days 

Of blissful youth forever flown, 
When hopes were bright and faith was strong, 

And love's pure light around me shone? 
Ah, no ! I never can forget 
Their fragrance lingers with me yet. 

Down through the years my feet have trod 

Ofttimes a dark and lonely way, 
But after every night of gloom 

Has come the dawn of brighter day. 
And looking backward now I see 
How good the Lord has been to me. 

Youth has its promise and its hopes 
To cheer, to comfort and to bless ; 

But age a crown of glory is 

When found in ways of righteousness. 

What matters it though we grow old 

If safely sheltered in His fold? 

As setting sun in western sky 

Betokens the approach of night, 
So age creeps on, but well we know 

At eventime it shall be light. 
And peace abideth, even when 
We've passed our three-score years and ten. 



VI16 
















'' .^l^ 



4 o 














•<^">-_'Jj!-. "^o ' 6S' .. <> -.TTT^' .>^ 








- Ji 

'O ,^^^ .c 







o H "^ • • • H 












I ♦ « 









l^^ 



^o 




, s 



s • • 


















^0 



.^^^ 




HECKMAN 

BINDERY INC. 








^ DEC 88 




N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 J 



